While Apple iOs operating system is regularly updated with new and smarter methods of securing your Iphone, this still does not make you 100% protected. Cyber attacks can happen to anyone and the consequences can be devastating. The hackers may be able to access your personal information and files as well as your banking details. In some cases, your smartphone may become completely unusable once it’s infected with a virus. Therefore, it is always recommended to take any extra security precautions you can. If you are unsure where to start, here are 3 simple tips on how to protect iPhone from hackers.
1 – Take your passwords seriously
Each of us are registered in dozens (if not hundreds) of different websites, social media platforms, subscription services and so on. It would be unrealistic to use a unique password for every single one of them, without also using the auto-fill functionality. However, even then you must remember to take your passwords seriously and ensure they are as secure as possible.
The passwords you use should still be strong and include a sufficient number of characters, numbers and special signs. If possible, you should also activate two-factor authentication – it might be frustrating to do this regularly but it will add a substantial level of security to your account. Additionally, a lot of apps now have the possibility to use biometric log-ins (fingerprints or a scan of your face) which are a highly secure yet convenient option.
2 – Educate yourself on the types of scams
Unfortunately, the majority of scams and cyber attacks happen due to the lack of awareness smartphone users have about the different types of scams on the internet. The hackers are constantly getting more sneaky and clever with their hacking techniques, so it is extremely easily done. To avoid this, try and educate yourself on the kind of things you should look out for.
For example, many people don’t know that iPhone apps can be a source of viruses. They may seem like innocent apps to begin with and some of them will even sneak their way into official app stores. The moment you download and install one, however, your iPhone immediately becomes infected by malware. If you see a suspicious app, look at its reviews and see if you can find any other users or information about it. If you suspect anything, make sure to report it too.
The same goes with many other types of scams, such as phishing emails, scam calls, URL links under social media comments and so on – if it sounds suspicious or too good to be true, then it probably is!
3 – Prepare for the worst in advance
In some situations, cyber attacks cannot be avoided and it’s not necessarily anyone’s fault – simply bad luck. It is, therefore, a good idea to prepare for those kinds of situations in advance, so you know what to do if it happens.
For instance, having your “Find my iPhone” functionality on would be extremely helpful in the situation your smartphone gets stolen. Not only would it show its potential location but also allow you to shut everything down / log out of everything remotely. Also, regularly backing-up your data on a third-party cloud will ensure that you don’t lose important information in the event of becoming a victim of a cyber attack.
Final word
In conclusion, cyber attacks are only becoming smarter and more frequent by the day, meaning that even the security updates on your iPhone cannot fully protect you. Luckily security methods are also evolving with time, allowing you to take the extra precautions to protect your smartphone. The 3 tips mentioned above are a great place to start.